Spathiphyllum plant named `Frederick`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct spathiphyllum plant named `Frederick`, characterized by its medium growth habit, relatively large recumbent leaves, large white spathes relative to size and shape of plant, short strong flower stems, and its very rich flowering.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofspathiphyllum, botanically known as Spathiphyllum hybrid, andhereinafter referred to by the cultivar name `Frederick`.

The breeding program eventually resulting in the new cultivar wasoriginated approximately twenty years ago by the inventor DanielCornelis in Melle, Belgium. The initial crosses were between thewell-known spathiphyllum hybrid cultivar `Mona Loa` and an unnamedcultivar of Spathiphyllum walissii. A large number of seedlings wereselected from the original cross and the best of these were again usedfor crossing in a continuation of the breeding program. The first andsubsequent generations of seedlings used for breeding purposes are notspecifically identifiable at this time.

The new cultivar `Frederick` was produced from a subsequent cross ofpresently unknown parents made by Daniel Cornelis in 1988 in Melle,Belgium. `Frederick` was discovered and selected as a flowering plantwithin the progeny of the cross in July 1988 by Daniel Cornelis inMelle, Belgium.

Subsequent asexual reproduction by tissue culture, first performed inSeptember 1992 in Evergem, Belgium under the supervision of theinventor, has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and are retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and in combinationdistinguish `Frederick` as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. `Frederick` is a medium size spathiphyllum with rather large leavesand impressed veins.

2. `Frederick` has large flowers in comparison with the shape of theplant. The term "flower" refers throughout the specification to theinflorescence including the spathe and the spadix.

3. The plant has a strong short flower stem.

4. The leaf margin is slightly waved.

5. The leaves bend down particularly at the tips.

6. Abundant flowering, with several white flowers normally in bloom atthe same time.

The following observations, measurements and values describe plantsgrown in Melle, Belgium under greenhouse conditions which closelyapproximate those generally used in horticultural practice. Colorreferences are made to The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) ColorChart, except where general color terms of ordinary significance areused. The color values were determined between 10 AM and Noon in July1992 under slightly clouded but bright daylight conditions at Melle,Belgium.

The accompanying color photograph shows in front view the uniquefeatures of the new cultivar. The colors are as accurate as possiblewith color illustrations of this type.

The new cultivar can be compared to the spathiphyllum cultivar `SnowWhite`, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,712. The cultivars aresimilar with respect to plant size, flower shape, white spathe color,and leaf color. `Frederick` differs from `Snow White` in that`Frederick` has wider and recumbent leaves, a wider or more spreadingplant habit, larger flowers, a storage fragrance, and greaterfloriferousness, with several flowers blossoming at the same time.

Classification: Spathiphyllum hybrid cv. Frederick.

Parentage: Male and female parents unknown. The parents are generationaldescendants of an original cross between Spathiphyllum `Mona Loa` and anunnamed cultivar of Spathiphyllum walissii.

Propagation: Vegetatively propagated by tissue culture.

Plant: A mature plant is 50 to 60 cm tall, inclusive of flowers, whengrown in a 13 cm pot measured from the soil line and approximately 45 to55 cm in diameter. Without flowers, the plant is approximately 30 to 40cm in height.

Leaves:

Form and size.--Elliptic, nearly symmetrical. Length: 25 to 30 cm.Width: 10 to 15 cm.

Texture.--Leathery, upper surface glossy.

Veins.--Medium bulging between veins.

Color--Upper surface: 137 A, but slightly darker. Lower surface: 137 C.

Leaf petiole.--Length: 13 to 23 cm. Width: 0.5 to 0.7 cm.

Petiole wings.--Widest width: 1 cm. Distance between top of the wingsand base of the leaf: 2.5 to 3.5 cm.

Inflorescence:

Buds.--Formed in axils of leaves.

Spathe:

Size.--Length: 21 to 24 cm Width: 10 to 12 cm

Location to the flower stem.--Generally parallel

Shape.--Oval, slightly asymmetrical

Flowering time.--Flowers repeatedly. First flower appears after 7months. The flowers last for one month.

Flower stem.--Length: 20 to 25 cm starting from the sheath of the leaf.Width: 0.6 cm Total length of the flower and the flower stem: 40 to 50cm. Angle of the flower stem relative to the leaf base: 30° to 40°.

Color.--White, 155D.

Fragrance.--Relatively strong and pleasant.

Spadix:

Size.--7 to 8 cm in length.

Longevity.--4 weeks.

Position of the spathe relative to the spadix.--At approximately midwayof the length of the spadix, it is spaced 1 cm from spathe and generallyparallel to the spathe at the midpoint of the spathe.

Color.--White, 158A.

Reproductive organs:

Stamens.--White.

Anthers and filaments.--White.

Pollen.--White.

Pistils.--White.

Roots: White, fleshy roots with fine laterals.

Disease resistance: In cultivation to date, `Frederick` has not shownsusceptibility to disease.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of spathiphyllum plant named`Frederick` as illustrated and described.